Lately, Mazda has been updating their line with new models, but to keep it simple, they have just added a zero – so you know what belongs where. Hence, the CX-3 was replaced by the CX-30, and the CX-50 is the update for the CX-5 (which continues to be sold, for the time being).
So, it wasn’t a big surprise when Mazda introduced the CX-90, the new hotness taking place of the much-loved CX-9, three-row SUV. Since each of the previous “0” models have been a distinct and delightful improvement, we couldn’t wait to try out the latest and greatest from Mazda. So, let’s go!
New Family Looks
On the exterior, this is one handsome SUV! Looking like a much larger CX-50, the CX-90 appears wider, more capable and rugged than the CX-9. A wider body and fenders and longer wheelbase create a vehicle that looks much more imposing and gives it a hunkered-down stance.
Up front we have Mazda’s familiar pentagon grille, with angled LED headlights and a contrasting lower fascia that gives a serious “don’t-mess-with-me” look. Large side grilles promise performance and carry the feeling of width across the front.
The profile is handsome, with a tasteful blend of performance and luxury. The high shoulder line gives a muscular look that helps the fender flares really pop. Luxury is served up with a PHEV chrome trim on the front fenders, and a lower chrome garnish that sweeps around the sides and the rear. Black trim around the wheel wells and lower garnishes adds some off-road toughness. Our favorite part of the view has to be the gorgeous black metallic-finish 21-inch alloy wheels – they really fill out the wheel wells and give a seriously sporty vibe.
The rear echoes the simplicity of the front’s design with slim horizontal LED taillights, a sporty spoiler above the rear window, a nice cut-in shape to the rear hatch, and a handsome lower chrome garnish. We also loved the Rhodium White paint, which had a rich white that shimmered in the sunlight, and really sold the lines. This is one beautiful design!
Audi, We’ve Got Your Interior
Inside, Mazda continues to offer some of the most exquisite interiors offered in a mainstream brand – it even competes with some of those expensive European nameplates. Open the door, and your eye is immediately drawn by the white Nappa leather trimmed seats and padded white dash cover, center console and doors. It is beautiful, but we always wonder in a hardworking SUV if a darker color wouldn’t be our choice. There’s no arguing with the rich appearance, though.
The details are what really get you – the light color matte-finish wood trim is simply elegant, while the fabric on the dash uses hanging stitches inspired by hand book binding and a Japanese weaving technique known as Kumihomo.
Along with the fine materials is expansive space. Our tester was a 7-passenger model, thanks to superbly comfortable 2nd row captain’s chairs – a standard bench is available to boost the capacity up to 8. That third row is competitive for the segment, meaning best for kids for smaller adults who are really, really, into Yoga.
The cargo situation is similar as well, with the third row up, you have a small cargo hold, and we’re guessing the battery pack for the plug-in hybrid cuts into that space as well. Drop the third row however, and you have plenty of space, and those 2nd captain’s chairs easily fold flat to form a massive hold – just go easy and don’t schmutz up the beautiful white interior, ok?
The first-class comfort and design are met by first-class technology, with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that changes depending on driving mode and what you want to call up. Infotainment is handled by a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen display. While some makers are now combining the screens to make a wall ‘o screen, Mazda keeps them separate, but it still looks fresh and modern.
We do love that Mazda still gives us a stubby little shift lever on the console, with an easy toggle to nudge for Drive Modes. Mazda continues to use an Audi-like control knob behind the shifter for info-tainment functions, and the system works very well, although since that lovely display is a touch screen and easily within reach, we found our selves navigating that way for most of our needs. We also found the 12-speaker Bose audio system to fill the large cabin with excellent sound.
All the tech you’d expect is here as well, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and no learning curve required. The same is true for the tri-zone climate control and easy-to-find switches for heated and cooled front seats and steering wheel and rear climate controls. Tech is there, but you never feel overwhelmed.
A Choice of Choice Powertrains
Mazda gives you some exciting options to power your CX-90.
There’s an all-new 3.3-liter, turbo in-line 6 cylinder that pumps out an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque in higher trims, making it the most powerful mass production gasoline engine developed by Mazda.
While we can’t wait to drive that, we were pretty excited to driver our tester’s all-new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, with numbers like 323 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque it’s no slouch. Power comes from a combo of a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
This is a great setup – on a full charge you get up to 26 miles of pure EV, and then it functions like a hybrid. In gasoline-only mode it gets a 25 combined MPG rating. Since the EV will function hybrid mode, we think you can do better than that. All in all, these are excellent numbers for a 3-row SUV – especially one with standard all-wheel-drive.
Charging is easy – Mazda says 20 to 80 percent full takes just 90 minutes on a 240-volt connection. The nice thing about a PHEV – if there’s no place to charge, you’re not stuck!
This is also a Mazda, so fun comes along for the ride. There’s a throaty exhaust note when the 4-cylinder is kicked in, and the 8-speed automatic is quick and responsive. Mazda fans will be happy to know that the steering has good heft, and the ride is firm, making the CX-90 one of the sportier 3-row SUVs, but if you’re looking for more of luxo-ride, it might be too much.
You certainly can’t get too much safety, and Mazda loads you up with the goods, including the i-Activsense suite of driver assistance, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart Brake Support and more. We also loved our tester’s 360-degree view monitor, that made parking such a big vehicle a snap.
Bigger Vehicle, Bigger Price Tag?
Mazda is definitely moving the brand upscale, but it still brings great value as well. You can get into a CX-90 Select starting at $40,970, for a 3-row SUV with gorgeous looks, style, AWD and turbo 6-cylinder power, that’s an exceptional value.
Our comprehensively equipped PHEV Premium Plus tester was at the other end of the spectrum and started at $56,950. The only extra charge was for the gorgeous Rhodium White paint ($595) and $1,375 for Destination, ringing the bell at $58,920.
Stylish PHEV competitors would include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at $50,850. You get an impressive 38 miles of EV only range, and it has 3-rows of seats, but it is a smaller vehicle – you’ll have to see which fits your lifestyle. We also like the Volvo XC90 Recharge, is a powerful choice, with 455 horsepower, but starting at $73,000 it’s a major step up in price. Lovely vehicle, though!
Stunning inside and out, PHEV capability, fun to drive and smart value make the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a delightful SUV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.